Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Piper Jean

"The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.". (Job 1:21b)

Piper Jean Needham ran into the arms of Jesus April 3, 2012 3:35pm.

Our hearts and empty hands hurt more than we ever imagined possible...but Gods grace will continue to carry us. He will no more forget us in this time of grief and sorrow than we will forget how much we love our fabulously spunky Piper...

126 comments:

My heart aches for you. I prayed for a miracle, and now Piper has seen the face of Jesus. A miracle may have happened after all. I have faith that even though I don't know Piper, I will one day meet her in Heaven. Thank you, Sus, for opening your life up to those of us who do not know you. You have made me a better mommy because of your story!

There are no words...as Easter approaches I hope you can find comfort in KNOWING that because of Jesus' sacrifice for us, you WILL see Piper again. She is healthy and whole, and Jesus is probably showing her around heaven. Sending hugs and prayers that you will feel God's comfort and peace right now and in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.

::no words, just ache:: "I'm so, so sorry" just doesn't cut it. I'm another stranger who's been following your blog for the past week or so. Thank you for sharing your life and your Jesus with us. Prayers for your family still coming....

I found your blog yesterday through a Facebook post. Your Piper was a precious, beautiful and strong little one and although I don't know you at all, I pray the peace of Jesus will be with you during your time of grief. No mother should have to bear the loss you feel, yet you shared your story with us. Prayers for God's warmth and love to surround your family and that you may feel His presence in a mighty way.

Praising God for her healing, just so sad that she had to see our father in heaven for it to happen. Praying for you all, for peace, for understanding and for the strength to face the days ahead. You loved her enough to let her go. She is closer to you now that she has ever been because she is with God, and God is everywhere. God bless you all. Much love from my family here in Georgia.

I am but another stranger who does not remember how she happened on to your dear Piper's blog so many months ago, but I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing her beautiful story with me. I have learned an abundance of all things lovely, good and whole since reading the words you share with us, and I will carry these remembrances through the rest of my life. A little gal whom I never had the good fortune to meet has taught my family a great deal more about the beauty of God and our world than any adult could ever hope to. We will continue to pray for your family, and we will continue to praise God, and we will strive to put to good use the lessons we have learned from you. We are humbled by the grace you have shown, and inspired by your love for the Lord. To Susan, Chad and Linley, and especially that spunky little Piper, we wish you heaps of blessings, peace, love and joy for all your days to come.

God took a precious angel home. God is holding her in his arms as they both look down one you in this time. There are no words to describe the loss of a child. You now and forever will have a precious angel watching over you and tour family.

Our tears are flowing... I am another stranger... I have lifted Piper up in prayers day after day ... prayed for Linley & you & Chad... Here we are trying to give you comfort and the only comfort we feel, are the words from you - the words from our Lord. Raising you up in prayer...

Father in heaven thank you for your glory. We all know piper has been healed thanks to you. Please put your hands on the backs of the family and hold them and give them courage and wisdom to make the family even stronger than before. We can't imagine what you have in store for Piper or her family but by your word we know its AWESOME!!! In your name we prey.. AMEN

ALL I CAN SAY IS IM SOOOOOO SORRY AND I KNOW THAT WILL NEVER BE ENOUGH BUT YOU KNOW HE WILL TAKE SUCH GREAT CARE OF HER SHE IS FREE AND NOT SUFFERING NOW IM SO GLAD YOU HAVE SHARED THIS WITH US OVER THE MONTHS IT HAS BEEN SO HEART WRENCHING READING ABOUT HER EVERYDAY ONCE AGAIN IM SOOOO SORRY....

Praying for you today...another stranger in Georgia whose life you have touched beyond words. Your faith is inspiring, your words have drawn me into your world and made my own faith richer. Even when we cannot trace His hand, we can trust His heart. Piper Jean is indeed perfectly fabulous.

Dear Needham family, I am another one of the strangers that happened to be directed to your story through a friend. You have an amazing way with words and your Faith is truly inspiring. Piper is now pain free and we have all gained a beautiful angel. Thank you for sharing your story. Much love--

My heart aches for your family. No words can express the sorrow and grief you all are facing. But know God's love and warmth is with you always and he will forever be by Piper's side. As the precious angel she is will forever be by your side. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all and wish peace and comfort will find you all tonight and every night until you can hold that sweet angel in your arms again.

Like so many of the others who have posted, I have never met you. Yet your faith has made mine and my family's stronger. I am truly so sorry you have momentarily been separated from your daughter and sister. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and keep you. May His face continue to shine upon you and Piper.

I have followed along for a couple months, and I have been so heartbroken for you all especially the past few days, admiring your continued trust in God and appreciation for his blessings in the face of such painful days. I don't know what to say except to let you know that your little girl, and your whole family, have been a far reaching example and encouragement to me and my family. Therefore, Piper will be continuing to affect lives for a long time to come... she will not be forgotten.

I started following your blog several weeks ago through a friend and have been crying and praying for you as I read each post. I can't began to imagine the pain you are feeling right now. I know that there are no spoken words that can ease this loss, except for those lifted to our heavenly father. I rejoice in knowing that Piper is now pain free and resting in His loving arms, and I cry for you and your family seeing this hurt. I want you to know my church has had you on the prayer list for a few weeks now and we will continue to lift y'all up to the only true healer. With much love, Elizabeth

I am heartbroken for you, from one mother to another. Thank you for sharing your story, I squeeze my children tighter because of you, I have prayed harder in the last months than I ever have, inspired by your faith. I too am a stranger, but can't help but to love your precious Piper as if you all were part of my family. I wish I could take away your pain, I have certainly shed MANY tears for you, as I am right now. Praise God that you will see her again for all of eternity!

Just another stranger who found your blog through a mutual friend on Facebook. We've been following and praying and crying. There are no words, only to say that all these miles away we will continue to pray, cry and hope and we will always remember and will continue to tell the story of the fabulous Piper.

In the midst of the horror you guys must be experiencing, I am blessed by your devotion to the amazing God we serve and can only hope that I would be so faithful in the path of such adversity. I am so sad for your loss, and have wept for your little Piper. I can only pray that every day your hearts become a little less broken.

Thank you for sharing your fabulous daughter with us all. I have never met you but my life will forever be richer for having shared your grief, love, and above all unwavering faith in the Lord. Your Piper blessed us all beyond measure. Praying for our merciful God to carry you all in the palm of his hand.

Words are not adequate to express my sadness for you. I will pray that God comforts you with the wonderful crazy peace that only He can provide. Piper is free and so safe in Jesus' arms. I thank God that you will indeed experience that "beautiful someday".

God bless your family and may the peace that surpasses all surround you in this time of sorrow. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Many prayers for you and your family.

brokenhearted with you...continuing to pray for sustaining grace, the nearness of the Lord. thank you for sharing your lives, hearts, disappointments with others. you have no idea how many you have encouraged as you have looked to Jesus for strength in this intensely, heart-shredding experience. and we know that hope in Jesus does not ultimately disappoint, but we will see Him and Piper will be there!

Susanna, Chad, and Linley, I know that you do not know me, I am a friend of Anne's. Although we have never met I am continually praying for all of you and I am walking with you in your grief. Praying for peace through the Lord's grace.

Praying for His comfort, peace and strength for all of you, and praising Him that what we see by faith, your precious Piper now sees by sight. We are here for you - your church body and so very many others. We will walk this road with you, your husband, and your firstborn, until He returns or call us home too. With much love, tears, praise & tears, Linda & family

Praying for your family. My heart breaks for you yet rejoices that sweet Piper is in the arms of our loving Jesus and in no more pain. He is also holding all of you that much tighter. He will never leave us, He carries us in our troubles.

We are praying for you in your time of unimaginable grief and loss. My heart breaks for you and though I know your sweet child plays at the feet of her Lord and Savior renewed and restored I also know that your heart breaks at the loss of her sweet smile and touch. We will keep you in our prayers as this year proceeds and you must breath in and out and continue to walk this journey without out her. My deepest condolences.

Susanna, Chad, Linley, Needham family,I am so very sorry. I continue to lift you up for love, Comfort, Support. Through your sharing you have been such an inspiration, blessing to so many of us. All because you wanted to tell us, share with us Piper's story and your journey. Thank you, bless you in these dark days ahead.

A friend shared your blog with me several months ago, and I've been praying for you all ever since. I will continue to pray; as a fellow mother, my heart aches for you tonight. Oh, Jesus, how we long for the day when all things are made new.

Dear Needham familyI will never forget meeting beautiful Piper in the hallway at CHOA with our Lily. She was so tiny and so beautiful. I am heartbroken and wish i could find words to write. There are none...I am sorry and will continue to pray for your entire family. oxoxoxoxJennifer Anderson (Lily's Mom)

I learned of your story just days ago through a post on Amey Fair's Facebook page. Have been praying for you since. I am sorry she is absent from you...so glad you know where she is...happy, whole, and a thankful little girl for the love of her parents who fought so hard for her. Will be praying for you in the days ahead...thankful that He will be with you and comfort you....

My heart is truly breaking over your devastating loss. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. May the happy memories you have of your truly "spunky" girl get you throughs the pain you have now. All of my love from another stranger in New Jersey.

Our family weeps with you, sending you all hugs and prayers as you begin this next phase of your life. Last Friday night we placed a luminary with Piper's name at the Oconee Relay for Life. She has and will continue to have a special place in our hearts.

My heart is with your entire family. I can not imagine the weight of this loss on all of you but I rejoice in sweet Piper's homecoming today. It does not make the pain lessen but I pray it brings you peace. I feel like I knew this precious girl and I hope to be blessed by meeting her in Heaven one day.

With love and continued prayers,The Kurban Family (Lane, Glenn and Kate)

I was in a Bible study with your mom many years ago at Redeemer. I no longer live in Athens but have followed your blog. I am so very sorry for your loss today. As a mother I cannot imagine the grief you are experiencing. You and your dear family will be in my prayers.

Beams of heaven as I go, through the wilderness below, guide my feet in peaceful ways, turn my midnights into days. When in the darkness I would grope, faith always sees a star of hope, and soon from all life's grief and danger I shall be free someday.

2. Oftentimes my sky is clear, joy abounds without a tear; though a day so bright begun, clouds may hide tomorrow's sun. There'll be a day that's always bright, a day that never yields to night, and in its light the streets of glory I shall behold someday.

3. Harder yet may be the fight; right may often yield to might; wickedness a while may reign; Satan's cause may seem to gain. There is a God that rules above, with hand of power and heart of love; if I am right, he'll fight my battle, I shall have peace someday.

4. Burdens now may crush me down, disappointments all around; troubles speak in mournful sigh, sorrow through a tear-stained eye. There is a world where pleasure reigns, no mourning soul shall roam its plains, and to that land of peace and glory I shall want to go someday

I to am a stranger but have followed your blog. I have prayed for you and your family. I am so appreciative for your faith and grace in such a trying time. May God be with you and your family. Piper was truly an amazing child. I will continue to pray for you.

Fabulous, amazing, beautiful, spunky, sparkly Piper..Heaven welcomes you into the arms of Our Father,to rest with the ONLY One who loves you more than your Mom, dad, sister and family. I weep for you, for your broken hearts. My prayers continue for you as the journey continues in the hours, days, weeks, months and years to come. Lean upon the Lord during this time of sorrow. May He surround and fill you with His presence and give you peace. May the vision of that beautiful someday sustain you in moments of grief. I pray I weep.

I have never met you guys, I have only ever heard about you through my sister, Erin Greene and Catherine Mills, but I want you to know that I am grieving for you and your loss. Praying, too. How absolutely heart-breaking to lose such a darling, darling girl. She has impacted me more than I have words for. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Your faith is unshakealbe and it has truly helped me. I thank you for sharing your story and little Piper with the rest of us. I truly believe that you have touched others in the mist of your pain in order to bring them closer to God. You are in my prays

I am another stranger that found your blog through Facebook. For the past week, I've prayed, cried, and prayed some more for your precious Piper and family. I rejoice in knowning Piper is dancing on the streets that are golden and being held by our Jesus. Thank you for sharing your heart and your unwavering faithfulness. You have encouraged me in my own walk with the Lord. May God surround you with His peace. Many hugs, The Speir family- Adam, Kellie, Noah and Asa.

I've never been so moved by someone I've never met. My heart is breaking for your family, but I am rejoicing for Piper who is finally cancer free and in the arms of Jesus. Susanna, your courage to trust Jesus in the midst of so much pain and exhaustion has changed many peoples lives including mine. I am praying for your precious family.

I am so so sorry/ My heart is broken for your family. I have cried my eyes out reading your posts. My own mom passed away when I was only 10 and she was 33, my grandparents have this poem hanging on their wall since...You will be in prayers always.

"I'll lend to you for a little time,A child of mine," God said,"For you to love while she livesAnd mourn for when she's dead."

"It may be six or seven yearsOr twenty-two or three,But will you till I call her back,Take care of her for me?"

"She'll bring her charms to gladden youAnd should her stay be brief,You'll have these precious memoriesTo comfort you through grief."

"I cannot promise she will staySince all from earth return.But there are lessons taught down thereI want this child to learn."

"I've looked this world over,In my search for teachers true.In the crowds of this great land,I have selected you."

"Now will you give her all your loveNot think the labor vain,Nor hate me when I come to callTo take her back again?"

It seems to me I heard them say,"Dear Lord, thy will be done.For all the joys a child shall bring,The risk of grief we'll run."

"We'll shelter her with tenderness,We'll love her while we may,And for the happiness we've knownForever grateful stay."

"And should the angels call for herMuch sooner than we've planned,We'll brave the bitter grief that comesAnd try to understand."

I am yet another person you have never met but stumbled upon your blog recently. I have been so overwhelmingly humbled as I think of the minuscule problems in my life that I blow out of proportion. I have also found myself,on my knees, at the throne praying for just an ounce of the grace and faith that you have handled this with. As I pray, I realize that this is what we are made for, to bring praise and glory to our God, whether in the valley or on the mountain. May your words, in your suffering, touch the hearts of those who don't know Him that they may one day know the love of our Father. I wish God' greatest blessings on your life as you forward. Thank you for blessing me with your fath.

also a stranger . . . brokenhearted for you all . . . only the arms of Jesus could have been better than the arms of her family who loved her so, so, so well. i am changed because of you and sweet Piper and will continue to pray for your healing. your words and expressions have been gut wrenchingly beautiful and heartbreaking and honoring to the Lord.

My heart is once again broken for you and my tears continue to fall for you. Thank you so much for sharing your fabulous Piper with us. I look forward to meeting her someday. Your faith is inspiring. May God comfort you and give you peace.

I have been following your blog since reading about your sweet Piper and your family in the Flagpole. Piper was such a true example of strength, love, and pure sweetness. A friend posted this poem on facebook, and it touched me. I wish you all peace and rest in this time of trial and grief. -Katie

Death is Nothing at All

Death is nothing at all.I have only slipped away to the next room.I am I and you are you.Whatever we were to each other,That, we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name.Speak to me in the easy waywhich you always used.Put no difference into your tone.Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughedat the little jokes we enjoyed together.Play, smile, think of me. Pray for me.Let my name be ever the household wordthat it always was.Let it be spoken without effect.Without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.It is the same that it ever was.There is absolute unbroken continuity.Why should I be out of mindbecause I am out of sight?

I am but waiting for you.For an interval.Somewhere. Very near.Just around the corner.

Susanna -- I have never met you, but there are tears pouring down my face right now as I read about Piper's precious life - unknown to me until this week - drawing to a close here on earth. There are no words and please know I am praying, right this minute, from Atlanta for your comfort. Peace to you all ...

I have had this song on my mind, called Resurrection Ground, written by a fellow preacher friend of my husbands, by the name of Mark Dibler after the loss of his 3 year old daughter...his brother Matt Dibler who sang with the Inspirations sang it aslo...a very beautiful song, that can still be bought on the Inspirations official website

We gathered togetherTo say our goodbyesTo our sweet little girlOh how our hearts ached insideSo we went to the placeWhere they lowered her body downSome call it a graveI call it resurrection ground

Resurrection groundNo more graves allowedWe'll meet her in the airNo more parting thereWith Jesus we'll be For all of eternityThis is not the endIts resurrection ground

We come here oftenTo see where our child layIt doesnt seem so long agoShe ran around and playedHow sweet it will beIf we are standing roundWhen this whole placeTurns to resurrection ground

Resurrection groundNo more graves allowed We'll meet her in the airNo parting thereWith Jesus we'll beFor all of eternityThis is not the endIts resurrection ground

My heart is broken for you and your family but my spirit presses on to continue to lift you up in prayer. I praise God, the grave is not the end and we have a hope that is not seen and that we will one day be reunited with those that have gone on before us...little Piper, thank you for a beautiful mother who shared a genuine love and adoration for you and her blessed Saviour...you, little one, because of her, will live on in the hearts of so many, like myself, who never knew you.

I am another stranger who found out about Piper through Facebook. Her strength and courage and your unwavering faith have taught me lessons that will remain with me for the rest of my life. We will keep you in our prayers in the upcoming months even as we rejoice that Piper is healed and sitting in the arms of Jesus.

Dear Chad, Susanna, and Linley,There are just no words. Just wanted to send our love and let you all know that we continue to pray for the comfort and peace that only our Mighty Savior can provide.Sammy and Marshia Hunter (Brooks' grandparents)

I just can't express how much your writing about Piper has touched me. I am so sorry for your loss. I found out about St. Bladricks through your post and a friend of mine shaved his head and I donated. He plans to do this every year and I plan to donate. I hope that one day that this horrible disease can be eradicated. I just wanted you to know that you have brought awareness to childhood cancer. I speak to people all the time and tell them the statistics so that they can be aware of how many people this monster effects.

Another stanger from Charlotte, NC following your story, crying as I read the news of Piper. I am a Mother and cannot imagine your loss. I am hugging my kids a little bit tighter these days. God Bless you and your family.

You do not know me. I heard about your story through Billie Joe Willis. My heart is aching but this song came to mind. PLEASE read it... YOU WOULDN’T CRY (ANDREW’S SONG) LyricsMandisaAll you saw was painAll you saw was rainBut you should see me nowMoments filled with tearsLasted all those yearsDisappeared some howYou never said goodbyeOn your knees you cryYou’re still asking whyBut blue has never been bluerTrue has never been truerHoney never tasted so sweetThere’s a song in the breezeA million voices in praiseA rose has never smelled redderThe sun has never been brighterIf I could find the right words to sayIf you could look at my faceIf you could just see this placeYou wouldn’t cry for me todayWhat you think you seeIsn’t really meI’m already homeYou’ve got to lay it down‘Cause Jesus holds me nowAnd I am not aloneYour faith is wearing thinBut I am watching HimAnd He is holding you tooAnd blue has never been bluerTrue has never been truerHoney never tasted so sweetThere’s a song in the breezeA million voices in praiseA rose has never smelled redderThe sun has never been brighterIf I could find the right words to sayIf you could look at my faceIf you could just see this placeYou wouldn’t cry for me todayYou wouldn’t cry for me todayOh what may seem like yearsWill just be a momentOh the day will comeWhen I’ll show you where you’re goingI can’t wait to show youAnd blue has never been bluerTrue has never been truerHoney never tasted so sweetThere’s a song in the breezeA million voices in praiseA rose has never smelled redderThe sun has never been brighterIf I could find the right words to sayIf you could look at my faceIf you could just see this placeYou wouldn’t cry for me todayYou wouldn’t cry for me todayYou wouldn’t cry for me todayYou wouldn’t cry for me todayYou wouldn’t cry for me today

I know the pain. I cried when I read it though I know Piper is completely healed and full of joy. Maybe she has already been introduced to my Regan. But we are left here with empty arms. And it just hurts. My deepest sympathies.Kristin Boatner

Another stranger who has been following your blog since a friend sent me this way a while back. You've been in my prayers and will continue to be during this trying time. Please know that your words have been an inspiration, both in terms of the love of your family and your faith. May both of those support you right now. God Bless.

I am so deeply sorry for your family. I lost my baby son last year and I ache for you as you walk thru these dark days. May God sustain you in the moments when you don't think you can take another breath without falling to pieces. May the knowledge that Piper is whole and healed give you comfort. Praying for the peace that only comes from above.

Chad and Susanna, I am humbled by the astonishing, beautiful, grace you have shown during this time. There are no words I can say that would even begin to ease your pain. But please know that I'm crying with you and praying for you. Piper is in the arms of the angels and in the presence of God. A place where pain and suffering do not exist. A place that you will be with her one day. You are such sweet, wonderful, faithful people...and I pray that God will give you the peace you need and comfort you in every possible way.

She knows you love her with all of your hearts and she will continue to live on in your hearts. You will carry her love every day. Know that I am praying for you and your family. If you need a listening ear, I am here. --Jenny

http://youtu.be/mxqfDs-64I0 (Mercy Me- The Hurt & The Healer)This song has been coming to me....for you...for all of us who have a loss that is indescribable. My heart cannot express anything during this grief period that you do not know intimately & full well, beyond most of us.-but my life & my son have stood with you in prayer & much love & are now standing over you in prayer covering. You all are mightily loved here in TX & from what I have read, all over! Your courage, pursuance of a cure, the fight you all fought, the lives your "story", your reality, has changed me & my son for the better...forever! Your strength most definitely came from the Lord....and you all SHINE SO brightly of Who He Is! Thank you, sweet friend. Saddened beyond words for you & your family...but rejoicing in the completed healing that has taken place in Piper :) I LOVE YOU! I love you.

You don't know me, but I have been keeping up with your blog and Piper's story. I am heartbroken and crying with you right now. How fortunate Piper was to have such a loving and faithful family. May God's peace surround you like a big hug and hold you tightly as you heal. May you rejoice knowing that Piper already has healed and is in those loving arms now. Remember your own words from just a few days ago... that Piper feels no pain and will simply blink before she sees you walking towards her. In Christ's Love, Laura Provost

I have been keeping up with your blog which I found through RUF/Redeemer. Your posts had me moved to tears before class this morning, and you have the prayers of many of my friends and housemates. Heaven is real, and Piper is there now. There is no sweeter comfort to me than to think of her smiles and joy she is surely giving surrounded by angels and our Savior. I will never understand why or how, but it all falls according to His plan. God bless you and your family for being the best support and caregivers she could possibly have while on this side of heaven. Our prayers will continue for you all.

I only learned of Piper's story a day ago, but she's touched my heart & changed my life. Thank you so very much for sharing...My heart weeps with sorrow at the loss of life of little Piper. Her body may remain, but her spirit is reborn and lives with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ forevermore...

Job 1:21The Lord giveth and the lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

John 3:3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

I know how difficult it is to suffer the sorrow of death. But just as we celebrate the birth of life, we must also celebrate death for this is also the birth of life, a life reborn in heaven above with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...May your hearts be lifted in praise knowing Piper is healed and her spirit rests in peace within the love only Jesus can now provide. Piper sings in jubilee waiting for the day to be reunited with her family...

Chad, Susanna, and dear Linley:It's safe to say that your sweet Piper has impacted more lives in her 2 years than most people do in a natural lifetime. The way you gave her a voice, by sharing your story and faithfully glorifying God throughout, has given Piper a lasting legacy. I can think of no greater gift to have given her. You are all lifted up in prayer. I know that the Lord has a special place for your family in heaven. Maybe Piper is picking it out now, which means of course, it will be fabulous. My deepest condolences. Love and many tears...kate

I found your blog from the Jungle Jumpers Facebook page. I have only been following since Monday but your little girl had wormed her way in my heart. I am so sorry for the loss of your little girl. I am so glad that we have a God that loves children and is waiting with open arms. With this being Easter it is nice to do we serve a risen Savior and soon before we know it you will be holding her in your arms again. Praying for the peace that passes all understanding.

My heart aches for your and your family. God has another blessed angle walking with him. Blessed be the Lord. I continue to pray for you and your family. Your Faith in God is so inspiriting and praying he continues to be a strength for your and your family. Many prayers

I pray that God comforts you in this difficult time. I am so sorry for your loss. I don't know you, and you don't know me but I am so broken for you. I prayed for your family this morning on the way to work. God Bless!

I have been following your blog for about a month. My heart is soooo very heavy for your family during this difficult time. As many have stated, Piper's struggles and your words have touched so many people - her life IS a testament to us all! I have prayed for her many, many times and now know that she is perfectly and marvelously healed and in the loving arms of our Father.

I saw your blog posted on Julie Todd's FB page. I read it until I fell asleep on Monday night. You and Piper were on my heart all day yesterday. The minute I could check FB, I saw that she had started her next journey...Her sweet journey with Jesus. I pray for you and your family and for Piper as she encounters God's love at a magnitude that is unimaginable. Your faith is an amazing witness to those of us reading your blog. The heart and soul of your family is changed, but it is clear that God is wholly in the mix. Our family will do something here at the beach to honor Piper and your family to send you our prayers of healing and comfort. I know that friend's far and near are doing the same. God's love and peace to you.

I continue to pray for your family. No words can express how grieved I am for you and yet how thankful I am that Piper is with the Lord. Your words of distress mingled with hope, disbelief mingled with genuine faith, and terrible sorrow mingled with joyful surrender have been and will be etched in my memory for life. Thank you for demonstrating what real faith looks like in this really fallen world. But there is heaven! And this heaven is now sight for Piper. Praise be to God!

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

May God provide you with an unexplainable peace and comfort in knowing that fabulous spunky Piper is sitting in the lap of Jesus. Praying constantly for your family during this time. God bless you and keep you. ~lm

I have followed your blog for the past week and my heart aches for what your family has gone through. Words can never express what the loss of a child will cause a family to endure. God has a plan and sweet Piper had a purpose in Heaven. It’s a higher plan that we can never comprehend but the bible tells us to trust and don’t try to understand and we must lean on His grace to carry us through these hard times because it’s the only thing that will. Grieve for her often - it is the healthiest way to heal, but smile knowing she is at peace and suffering no more. Continue to talk about her, tell her story with every opportunity that you can. Make a scrapbook of her life and share it often - it will keep her beautiful memory alive and will also help you to heal. As a family, lean on each other - if there is ever a time that your companionship is needed the most, it is now. Continue to keep your Faith and rejoice in knowing you will someday see your her again. May God Bless your famiy!

You don't know me. I know a friend of your's -- Rebekah Armstrong was her maiden name. She posted your site on FB. And here I am. I am a strong believer. I always be. But at moments like this, I get so stinkin' mad. I am so incredibly unbelievably horribly sorry for your loss. It sucks so badly. It hurts so badly. I don't think it's fair. And I'm mad. But I know God is faithful. And I know you will one day hug each other again.

I just cannot even imagine what losing a daughter feels like. I am praying for all of you. God is good, and I am thankful you know Him, and that you can rest in His arms here on earth and know that He withholds nothing from you or your precious baby girl. Everything that is His is yours because He loves you.

My face, heart, and head ache for you. Come quickly Lord Jesus and bring us home to play with our babies, the ones we've known and the ones we never had a chance to know. My prayers, tears, and thoughts are with you.

Please Mrs. Needham knock sense into me because I so obviously need it. It is people who have behaved such as I have that should suffer these things and not a beautiful soul such as yourself who would give anything for one more moment. I have taken my children for granite for too many years now.

I stayed up all night last night. After reading about your daughter through several of my facebook friends, I decided to read your blog since sleep was far from in my near future. I found myself sobbing tears of hurt for what you must be feeling. You have touched my heart so much and I know one day it will not be just me but my children who are most thankful. My mother took her own life while I was a Junior in high school. I didn't know how much she cared for me or even if she ever really thought of me at all. She spent her last decade on earth in a deep depression spiraling downward into alcohol and drugs. So many loved her as she also loved so many. I however was not privy to that love and attention.

Now, I am afraid I am making the same mistake with my children. Mostly my son. He and I have had quite a rough time bonding since his birth in 2002 which, needless to say wasn't planed, or ready for. So now 9 years later we clash daily. What I am about to say will probably enrage you as it should. I have spent so much time not loving my son the way I should and to make things worse if anything were to happen to me or him right now I don't think he would know that I do love him because I have such a hard time showing it. I do love my son and why I can't be the woman and mother I should be and hold my son and show him the affection I know he craves is beyond my understanding and it is something I pray about often. It is my fault if he is damaged as I was and I just can't stop the cycle. You have helped me more than I know. As I read your final entries at the wee hours of the morning, I placed myself in your weary shoes. You mentioned asking your little girl if she knows that you and her daddy love her and she nodded. Then I imagined what my son would do and the thought put me into such a depression that I cried for hours. I know what I have to do now and why. We don't know how long we have nor are we even guaranteed another minute to show people how we feel. Your baby girl died knowing how much you loved and respected her. Now it is up to the rest of us to learn from you. Your strength, determination, love, and faith will aide in my guidance from here on out. I know this isn't going to happen overnight but I have to start somewhere. Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

You're heart is filled with anger because of the pain you went through when you lost your own Mother...understandably so...but now is the time to let all that anger go and face your fears of not being a good mother because you can be...you NEED to be...you HAVE to be...and the truth is you WANT TO BE! Your son needs his Mom...and you need your son. You have to remove all surrounding factors and take yourself and your son to the place that's most important --you gave birth to that child and he is apart of you...you must tell him how you feel - your raw emotions and tell him that your so sorry and that you LOVE him with every ounce of your being. That you from this day forward promise to be the Mother he deserves and the Mother that you have found in yourself buried under pain and suffering - which you are turning into strength and love and take him in your arms and let go of all that burden left on you those many years ago. I'm proud of you for admitting your pain and releasing yourself from the chains which bind you. You should start a blog --your own telling your story because it's a beautiful one as well. God Bless you and think positive! POWER OF POSITIVITY is an amazing thing.

We continue to lift you up in prayer as we grieve the loss of this little girl we never even met...yet she (& you) have touched our hearts deeply. We have a baby with Jesus and it is our only solace that Piper and our little one are there together this day. Thank you for sharing so publicly this journey so that we might learn to trust and have faith more fully in the One who holds us in our grief.

"This is what it means to be heldHow it feels, when the sacred is torn from your lifeAnd you survive

This is what it is to be loved and to knowThat the promise was that when everything fellWe'd be held"-Natalie Grant

We are praying that you would feel every second that you are held and deeply deeply loved.

Pipers fight and your family's courage and strength...the whole of what you've all been through....there just are no words to describe how much I hope and pray God's love and light surround you all as you make your way through this pain. I wish you the peace that I know Piper is now blanketed in amongst the angels. May they hold her tightly until the day you are able to wrap her in your arms again.

Susanna, Chad, Linley, I am so sorry for your loss!! I cannot fathom how it must hurt to lose one so special! I pray Jesus is your peace, and comfort in these days. You probably will not remember me, but we have met, once or twice in Orlando... Once upon a time, I used to house sit for your parents quite a bit. Anyhow, my heart is just so broken for you guys, because I know how precious my babies are to me. Although, I rejoice in Piper's release onto Jesus' arms today! She is enjoying life as she has probably never been able to! I will be praying with you guys and (looks like) many many others as well. Mandy Lopez

"Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" Matthew 11:28

Lord, you said that would comfort those who mourn. I pray that you hold the Needham family in the palm of your hand. And in the weeks, months and years ahead, bless them, comfort them and direct them down this difficult, nearly impossible path of grief.

I have been following your blog since nearly the beginning of sweet Miss Piper's journey. I found your blog through a friend of mine through high school, Kelli Miller Magee, who linked to you blog. My son Masa was born three weeks after Piper and also was a patient of Dr Baker's at the time. It made such a huge town seem so tiny. I have rejoced with you and weeped with you and yet can never begin to fathom the unbearable pain that has been forced upon your family that you have all take with such grace and dignity. I cannot say that I would have been such a pillar of strength...but you give me much to look up to and work for. I have prayed and pleaded from the bottom of my heart that Piper would be the one to overcome this beast that is ALL. My heart breaks for your family and pray that there is somehow somewhere peace that is granted knowing that Piper is in His arms and no longer having to fight the fight of this earth.

Your strength and faith reminds me of our daughter when our grandson Cesar passed at three months. I had a dream two nights later where I could see him laughing and sooo happy. In the background I heard many voices of children singing and laughing. I tried to carry him, and when I extended my arms he would back off and laugh, as if to say he was happy and didn't want me to take him away from where he was now. I am certain your beautiful Piper is with Cesar, enjoying those angelical sounds that were so clear in my dream. May the Lord bless you and your family with the strength to move forward. it will not be easy, but with Him all things are possible.

Piper and her spirit touched us deeply and your family's courage, strength and faith inspired us so much. We are so saddened for you and our hearts just broke to read your post. Thank you for sharing your beautiful girl with us. She will be missed but never forgotten. May God bless you all and give you the strength you need. You are a beautiful family and were nothing but a shining example of love and faith through this all.

I am another stranger who knows you only through some friends. My husband and I have been following ya'lls journey and weeping and praying for you. I have always adored the name piper for a little girl, and your piper has touched my heart in a very deep way. I wish I could've met her! I know that the Lord is already using your tiny daughter in a very big way, and changing the lives of many and that is cause for her to rejoice in heaven. While we mourn her passing here she is cuddled up in the arms of our heavenly father perfectly content and feeling no pain! I will continue to pray daily for you and your husband and your marriage and also for your little girl Linley, that the Lord will wrap you in his arms too! Weeping and rejoicing,-Bonnie Eaton

I am another stranger who came across your blog a few days ago through Billie Jo. I have been praying and crying for Piper and you since. Your story has touched my heart in a way I could have never imagined. I am heartbroken and continue to pray for all of you. My uncle has almost crossed over twice after a motorcycle accident years ago. I remember conversations with him from when I was younger about his experience. He said it was warm and bright and beautiful and he has no fear to die anymore. I am sorry your time on earth together was so short. Piper is all around you just like you all are all around her forever ... until someday you will be reunited again! She is at last cancer free, dancing and laughing, in God's arms and surrounded by his love until you will be able to wrap her in your arms again. Thank you for sharing your story. It will forever be with us. Because of you I hug my son just a bit tighter now! Sending you love, Herdis

I'm so deeply sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful, sweet, amazing, precious daughter. As I followed your story for the past few months, I have been so amazed at your family, your strength, your faith, your love for each other. You write beautifully, and your family has touched others, and made us live differently each day through your story. I know that helps nothing, but I wanted you to know, you are being thought of and prayed for. And presh Piper, too. Beloved, sweetest girl.

I found your blog through a friend and have been praying for Piper and your whole family. I will continue to pray for your family and I hope that you feel the love pouring out from everyone who grew to love and care for Piper through your blog.

I found your blog through Phoebe's Mom, who I've "met" as our 3 year old daughter battles leukemia here in Canada. You write with such grace and truth and strength. Thank you for sharing Piper's journey, and I weep knowing she is now in His arms feeling peace and comfort. Blessings to you as you continue on this journey. In our prayers in Saskatchewan! ~Jenn Lyster

I am so very sorry for your loss, may you be comforted knowing that Piper is with our Heavenly Father who I'm sure is encircling her in his arms with love. Know to that your great sorrow is known to him and that comfort is only a prayer away.

Susanna, i write this with ache in my heart....I Love you so very much and the pain must be immense....Your an amazing friend,momma and if you ever need me, Im Here...Praying for your family, and i mean that!

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About Me

I am a gardening, deal seeking, sleep deprived, Gods Grace dependant, room-rearranging, kindergarten princess chaufferr, chemo lovingly giving, crockpot cooking mother of two "fancy faces" and wife to one college student.
I used to wear some sweet cowboy boots but the local sorority sisters copied me and now the boots hid in the closet until its safe to come out again.